| HISTORY & WHITE CANE DAY |
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Houston Council Of the Blind (HCB) was organized January 27, 1978 in Houston Texas. There were 18 members who were very involved in the growth of the organization. The organization was chartered by the State of Texas on June 2, 1978 as a non-profit corporation. The first officers were:
- Jim Beeson, President
- Truett Childres, Vice President
- Gail Beeson, Secretary
- Nellie Webb, Treasurer
The meeting place was the Lighthouse of Houston to which the HCB donated $25.00 to use the building.
In 1982 there were 110 members.
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| LANDMARKS OF ADVOCACY |
1. HCB advocated for H.R. 4642--S. 2775 The Fair Insurance Coverage Act This bill would prohibit discrimination in insurance coverage on the basis of blindness or degree of blindness. Bill passed.
2.Instrumental in establishing The Texas Health and Human Services Coordinating Council in Senate Bill 711 to have a voice in state law.
3. Multi Service Center, 1982, the Council advocated for inclusion in input from the blind community in designing the MSC for disabled people.
4.The Rehab Act of 1973, (504) This established that blind people have the right to work and to promote their opportunities for employment and Independent Living.
5.WHITE CANE DAY was first observed on October 15, 1981 and recognized by the State Governor Clements on October 15, 1982. It was for public awareness about blind cane travel to promote independent travel and safety.
In the photo from left to right: Randy Green, President GHR Group; BVA Jim Beeson, President of Houston Chapter -ACBT; Mayor Jim McConn; Harvey Haegy, President of Houston Chapter of the NFB; Mamie Lopez, President of TFB-Houston Chapter.
6.Resolution was created to urge the Texas Commission for the Blind to improve the number of qualified blind employees in the state.
7.Support the project to initiate Recreational programs for handicapped individuals. Promoted and supported Beep Ball in 1982 so that blind people could have an opportunity to play base ball.
8.Supported the Radio Reading Service Docket 82-law in opposing the commercialization of sub-carriers 67 kHz on public radio stations.
9.Organized a Consumer Advisory Committee in 1982 with the Texas Commission for the Blind to voice our concerns.
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